Bernard Lagat wins the 1500m (© Getty Images)
Bernard Lagat, who last summer became the first man in history to capture gold medals at both 1500m and 5000, in the IAAF World Championships in Athletics will defend his Wanamaker Mile title at the 101st Millrose Games - IAAF Indoor Permit meeting - on 1 February 2008 at Madison Square Gardens.
Lagat will be challenged by Australia’s Craig Mottram, the 2005 World Championships 5000m bronze medallist who last year battled with the American in a Wanamaker duel that came down to the final lap.
“I love New York and I love running in this competition. So why not come again and try for a sixth one? Hopefully, my friend Mottram will be there.”
Lagat and Mottram will be among the headliners on the Madison Square Garden track as “A New Century Begins” for the Millrose Games, which last year celebrated its 100th anniversary.
With his fifth victory last year (2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007), the Kenya-born American moved into a tie for third-most Wanamaker titles. A 2008 victory would put him just one win away from tying the legendary Eamonn Coghlan’s record of seven. In 2005, Lagat broke Coghlan’s 24-year-old meet record.
The 101st Millrose Games, the third stop in USA Track & Field’s Visa Championship Series.
Barbara Huebner for the IAAF